Worker Health and Hygiene

People can carry pathogens in and on
their bodies and clothes, and those pathogens can easily be transmitted to
fruits and vegetables.

One of the simplest and most effective
ways to reduce this risk is for everyone who works around produce to practice
good hygiene. Good hygiene includes properly washing hands at appropriate
times, wearing clean clothing, and in some cases wearing special clothing like
disposable gloves or hairnets.

Another practice that effectively
reduces the spread of disease is to be sure that anyone handling or working near
produce is not sick with a pathogen that could cause a foodborne illness. Farm
owners and managers reduce risks by developing health and hygiene policies,
supplying and maintaining toilet and hand-washing facilities, explaining the
rules to everyone who works with produce, and setting a good example for
everyone by following those rules themselves.

Use the resources below to learn about
proper hygiene, symptoms of foodborne illness, and appropriate toilet and
hand-washing facilities. Find resources to help train workers, and download or
order signs that remind people to wash their hands and follow other proper
hygiene practices.​